LONGVIEW, Wash. - Game 1 - The Clark College Penguins couldn't find their rhythm at the plate or capitalize on opportunities as they dropped a 6-0 decision to Lower Columbia in a NWAC West showdown on Saturday.

Despite a solid showing from starting pitcher Luke Woolcott, who tossed 6.1 innings while allowing just four hits and striking out six, the Penguins were unable to overcome a few costly errors and timely Red Devil hitting. Woolcott battled through 118 pitches, but a pair of defensive miscues in the seventh opened the door for a three-run inning that put the game out of reach.

Offensively, Clark was limited to just four hits on the day. Andrew Israel, Trevin Long, Evan McGuire, and Jase Pashales each chipped in with a single, but the Penguins were unable to string anything together against a stingy Lower Columbia pitching staff. Starting pitcher Kaden Harris held Clark scoreless through 5.2 innings, allowing just two hits and five walks, before Stephen Hammergren came on in relief and dominated with 3.1 shutout innings and seven strikeouts.

The Penguins' best scoring chances came early, including a two-on, one-out opportunity in the third, but they couldn't push a run across. Clark left nine runners on base and struck out nine times, stalling any potential rallies.

Cole Robinson closed the game out on the mound for Clark, giving up two hits in 1.2 scoreless innings of relief.

Clark's defense faltered with two errors in the field, both of which contributed to Lower Columbia's big seventh inning. Errors by Quentin Anguay in right field and Jase Pashales at third base helped fuel a rally that padded the Red Devils' lead.

The Penguins will look to regroup and bounce back in their next outing, with an eye on tightening up the defense and finding more consistency at the plate.

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Game 2 - In a classic NWAC West Region showdown defined by dominant pitching and crisp defense, the Clark College Penguins came out on top with a 1-0 victory over Lower Columbia on Saturday afternoon.

Right-hander Kenneth Hall was the story of the day for Clark, turning in a masterclass performance on the mound. Hall allowed just one hit over seven innings, needing only 80 pitches to stifle the Red Devils' offense. He struck out three, walked none, and showed poise in high-pressure moments—even after hitting four batters. Hall faced just one batter over the minimum thanks to a double play and excellent support from his defense.

After six scoreless innings, the Penguins broke through in the top of the 7th. Evan McGuire led off with a single, swiped second, and came around to score on a clutch RBI single by third baseman Jase Pashales. That would be all the offense Clark needed, as Hall slammed the door in the bottom half to seal the shutout win.

Offensively, Clark tallied three hits on the day—one each from McGuire, Pashales, and Quentin Anguay. While runs were hard to come by, the Penguins made the most of their one scoring opportunity.

Credit is also due to Lower Columbia starter Quinn Hubbs, who matched Hall pitch for pitch through most of the game. Hubbs allowed just one earned run on three hits across seven strong innings while striking out six.

With the win, Clark bounces back from a tough loss in the previous matchup and improves their standing in NWAC West Region play.

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